Govt of India’s AI Push: 4 Key Initiatives to Know

In a significant move towards embracing the future, the Government of India has approved a massive investment of Rs 10,371.92 crore for the India Artificial Intelligence (AI) mission in March, 2024. This mission aims to build a comprehensive AI ecosystem, catalyze innovation, and promote AI applications across various sectors. The initiative focuses on skill development and socio-economic transformation, aligning with the vision of ‘Making AI in India’ and ‘Making AI Work for India’.

Recognizing AI’s transformative potential, governments worldwide are investing heavily to integrate AI into public services. India, too, is on this path, designing a robust framework to impart AI education to students.

Let’s explore some key initiatives by the Indian government to promote the use of Artificial Intelligence in India so far :

Applied AI Research Centre — October 2020

The Applied AI Research Centre, or INAI, launched in October 2020, focuses on addressing large-scale problems in India using AI. This initiative, led by Intel and supported by the Government of Telangana, is based at IIIT Hyderabad. It aims to tackle healthcare and smart mobility challenges, especially in rural areas and difficult terrains. Through advanced technologies and curated datasets, INAI seeks to enhance public healthcare and smart mobility.

US-India AI Initiative — March 2021

On March 18, 2021, the US-India AI Initiative was launched by the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF). This initiative fosters AI growth through idea exchange, research and development opportunities, and collaboration between the two countries. It plans to explore AI applications in crucial areas such as energy, health, and agriculture. By gathering insights from diverse stakeholders, this initiative leverages India’s diversity to strengthen AI development.

AI Portal

The AI Portal, a joint venture by MeitY and NASSCOM, serves as a central hub for AI information, resources, and updates in India. It invites individuals from various backgrounds to join the AI community. The portal features a wealth of news, articles, and opinions from AI experts, providing a platform for AI enthusiasts, professionals, and think-tank personalities to enhance their knowledge and contribute to the field.

National Research Foundation

Research and development (R&D) are critical for progress in any sector. The AI mission emphasizes this by integrating AI’s predictive capabilities, analytical strength, and algorithmic logic to boost research efforts. The National Education Policy (NEP) established the National Research Foundation (NRF) to create synergy between R&D, industry, and academia. This collaboration aims to accelerate the research lifecycle, reduce time-to-market, and ensure the practical application of AI technologies.

Conclusion

The Indian government’s investment in AI marks a significant step towards socio-economic empowerment and inclusive growth. By fostering innovation, enhancing skill development, and promoting collaboration, India aims to harness the full potential of AI to transform public services and drive national progress.